Ibuprofen*

• Ibuprofen

Other Names:

• Advil; Motrin

Classification:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

Mechanism of Action:

• Decreases inflammation, pain and fever though inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity and prostaglandin synthesis

Indications:

• Treatment of mild to moderate pain
• Reduction in fever
• Anti-inflammatory

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs/salicylates
• ASA induced asthma
• Late pregnancy (3^rd trimester)
• CVA or TBI in previous 24 hours
• Major burns
• Renal failure or solitary kidney
• Age under 6 months
• GI bleeding, peptic ulcer disease
• > 65 years of age

Precautions:

• Renal impairment
• History of GI bleeds
• CHF

Adverse Effects:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Light headedness
• Peripheral edema
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting

Dose:

Adult:

• 200 - 600 mg PO q 6 – 8 hr

Pediatric:

• 7.5 mg/kg PO 6 – 8 h (For children over 12 use adult dosing)

• PO

• Consider as second line therapy for management of fever (acetaminophen is the antipyretic of choice in most cases).
• Not appropriate for treatment of hyperthermia with an environmental or toxicological cause.
• Ibuprofen and acetaminophen should be administered together for pain management whenever possible.
• If a pediatric patient can swallow tablets and the appropriate dose is at least 600 mg, ibuprofen tablets can be administered.
• There are approximately 20 NSAID medications. The following lists a few that are commonly purchased over the counter or prescribed:
  • ketorolac
  • celecoxib
  • naproxen
  • indomethacin
  • diclofenac
  • meloxicam
• Pregnancy category B [if there is a clinical need for it, Category B drugs are considered safe to use]; it is a D in third trimester [potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks (e.g., if it is required in a life-threatening situation)].

• Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS)
• Pharmacology for the Prehospital Professional 2^nd Edition